Firefighter training to cause visible smoke

[EDWARDS] – Colorado Mountain College is conducting training for current and future Colorado firefighters. The class is based on National Fire Protection Association 1001 – Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and teaches basic firefighting skills.

Those attending the class will receive practice extinguishing training fires at Colorado Mountain College’s fire service training site in Dotsero. These fires are set and extinguished inside a building specifically designed for safely training firefighters, in a realistic environment.

Beginning July 14 and continuing until the end of September, training fires will be conducted indoors at the Dotsero location. Smoke will be visible in the area (north of I-70, and west of Colorado River Road). This activity has been approved by all of the fire chiefs in Eagle County, as well as the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.

The fires will all be inside, and conducted in a manner to prevent extension to the exterior. A fire engine will be present, and fire instructors will monitor the exercises at all times. A banner will be displayed from the top level of the training tower while training is conducted.

If you observe smoke in the area and believe it is from any cause other than the training activity, please call 911. Thank you for your cooperation!

If you have questions about the training, or Colorado Mountain College’s fire science program, please contact Kurt Keiser at the Edwards campus at 569-2921.